In Buenos Aires, shopping malls are not located on the other side of the city or at one end of it. The peculiarity is that many of them are located in neighborhoods with a high population density and, therefore, accessible from anywhere.
Alto Palermo is one of the most praised shopping centers in Buenos Aires. Its modern structure, its variety of services and its diverse stores have made it one of the shopping centers most chosen by Argentines, either for shopping or as an option for a family outing.
Here we tell you everything about Alto Palermo so that you can include it in your next tour of Buenos Aires.
Alto Palermo (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is Alto Palermo?
Alto Palermo is one of the most prominent shopping centers in Buenos Aires and the Palermo neighborhood. It has been a pioneering shopping mall in Argentina, attracting both tourists and locals since 1990.
Covering a surface area of 65,029 square meters, Alto Palermo features 190 retail stores, a food court with seating for more than 700 people, and 670 covered parking spaces.
Alto Palermo is structured along a main axis that runs parallel to Coronel Díaz Avenue, slightly curved. The shopping center spans three levels and features a glass roof that allows natural light to illuminate the interior.
The escalators are located at the ends of the shopping center, and the galleries on each level provide a pleasant sense of spaciousness.
Renovations and location
Alto Palermo underwent renovations in 2008 and 2010, focusing on the general aesthetics, including the logo, coverings, and decoration. Green spaces were removed, and an 8×5 meter LED screen was installed at the Santa Fe Avenue entrance.
The strategic location of Alto Palermo is no coincidence. Unlike shopping centers situated in suburban or peripheral areas (as is common in the United States), Alto Palermo is located in one of Buenos Aires’ most densely populated and affluent neighborhoods.
Additionally, its proximity to major avenues like Santa Fe and the city center (just 4 kilometers away) makes Alto Palermo an unbeatable location.
Where is Alto Palermo?
Alto Palermo is situated in the Palermo neighborhood, specifically between Santa Fe and Coronel Díaz Avenues, with an additional entrance on Arenales Street.
The area around Alto Palermo is one of the most important in terms of commercial, tourist, and gastronomic activity. To the east lies the Recoleta neighborhood, while to the west, the Palermo neighborhood continues up to its border with Belgrano.
Nearby, you’ll find significant green spaces like Parque Las Heras and the Botanical Garden. Smaller plazas, such as Plaza Güemes and Plaza Unidad Latinoamericana, also offer pleasant spots for outdoor relaxation or a break.
Just two blocks from Alto Palermo is Cinemark Palermo, a cinema complex showcasing the latest international and national film releases. Additionally, Santa Fe Avenue and the surrounding streets are lined with restaurants, cafés, and various retail stores, making the area bustling both during the week and on weekends, day and night.
How to Get to Alto Palermo?
The quickest way to reach Alto Palermo is by subway, specifically the D line, which has a station (Bulnes) right in front of the shopping center. If the D line doesn’t run close to your starting point, remember that you can transfer from other subway lines that connect to the D line, such as the H and C lines.
But the subway isn’t the only option for getting to Alto Palermo. Several bus lines have routes and stops in the vicinity. Some of these are: 10, 12, 15, 29, 38, 39, 41, 60, 64, 92, 110, 111, 128, 152.
You can also use the protected bike lanes to cycle to Alto Palermo. However, you’ll need to find a private parking spot, as parking in public spaces can be risky in terms of security. Coronel Díaz Avenue has a dedicated bike lane, as do other nearby streets.
Is it worth driving to Alto Palermo? It’s not a bad idea, especially considering that traffic congestion is not as frequent here as in other parts of Buenos Aires, such as the city center or avenues connecting the Province with the City of Buenos Aires.
Alto Palermo is located at Santa Fe Avenue 3253. It’s open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM.
The shopping center has its own parking facilities at Santa Fe Avenue 3253 and Arenales Street 3360, open from 8 AM to 11 PM, Monday to Sunday.
Why Visit Alto Palermo?
Exploring and Shopping
Alto Palermo features approximately 190 retail stores spread across its three levels.
You’ll find stores selling footwear, clothing, sports gear, accessories, and products for both men and women.
Top commercial brands are present in Alto Palermo, making it an ideal place to satisfy your shopping needs or simply indulge in buying that product you’ve been wanting.
Cafés and Restaurants
Alto Palermo offers a variety of dining options, including cafés, ice cream shops, restaurants, fast food outlets, bakeries, and even alfajor shops.
On the third level, you’ll find Base Foodhall, a new gastronomic concept featuring specialty coffee, healthy food, and top-notch restaurants serving pizza, empanadas, tacos, and even seafood.
Keep in mind that dining options are spread throughout the three floors, with some located outside the main shopping area.
Services for Customers
If you’re not in the mood to shop, Alto Palermo offers various services for visitors, such as telecommunications providers, optical shops, hair salons, and even laboratories.
Additionally, the mall provides free wireless internet access and has restrooms on each level, including facilities for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
